Earlier this year the University of Edinburgh held its Annual Dance Performance, marking 40 years since Creative Director June Underwood founded the show
June has made the decision to step down from her role directing the much-loved show, and this year’s performance was a fitting tribute to her remarkable tenure – two sold-out performances featuring 17 dance groups and over 200 dancers.
June, who still works as a Senior Teaching Assistant at Sport and Exercise, told Bulletin how it all began and what’s next…
What inspired you to start the Pleasance Dancers company and the annual University Dance Performance?
“My experience both as a dancer and a PE student (performing in Dancescapers during the Edinburgh Fringe!) inspired me to set up The Pleasance Dancers in my first year of teaching in the Department of Physical Education – now Sport and Exercise – in 1983.
“Dance classes are fun, but I knew from experience that working towards a performance offers so much more. There is something magical about the process of creating a dance with a group – the shared purpose, creativity, connection, collaboration, sense of belonging and inclusion, camaraderie and friendship and the sheer joy of nailing the performance together!”
What are your most memorable moments at the University?
“I have so many memorable moments! Every year there have been gifted student dancers and choreographers across all styles of dance who have blown me away and delighted audiences with their performances.
“Looking back, I am impressed with my confidence in 1999 when I arranged the dates a little earlier so that I could direct the dance performance at 38 weeks pregnant!
“I am particularly proud of working with our incredible students, our Sport & Exercise marketing team and my daughter Victoria, to direct an online dance performance in May 2021, during the pandemic. I encouraged our University dance societies and groups to continue meeting online to dance, even though students were scattered all over the world. Dancers filmed themselves in a range of amazing locations and produced extraordinary dances which we released online for World Mental Health Awareness Week.”
How do you feel about the future of the annual Dance Performance and who will carry it forward?
“After 40 years of directing this amazing dance showcase, it’s the right time for me to hand on the baton. I am confident that the University Dance performance will continue and thrive…
“I am delighted to say that Jo Richards is the new Artistic Director of the UoE Dance Performance. Jo has been involved in the show for 25 years, initially as an exceptionally gifted student dancer. Over the last 20 years, she has choreographed many remarkable and memorable dances. She will direct the Dance Performance with the assistance of a steering group of dancers from the many University dance societies and groups.
“There are so many positive benefits to being part of a group. Learning and rehearsing a dance to perform; the camaraderie, fun, friendships, the sense of belonging, the thrill of expressive movement, the sharing of cultures, the feeling of accomplishment, learning to project and connect with the audience as well as the many physical, mental, social, spiritual and emotional benefits.”
What will you miss the most and how would you like to be remembered?
“I might like to be remembered as someone who championed dance in all forms and cultures, including dancers of all abilities, and encouraged successive generations of student choreographers to try their hand at dance– making here. It has been both a joy and an honour to direct all 40 years of this eclectic celebration of dance.
“I will miss the buzz and excitement of working with the dancers and choreographers to create a brand-new show each year and the adrenaline-fuelled performance nights and the shared sense of achieving something special.
“I will miss working with our finely tuned production team including John Weitzen, out immensely creative lighting designer and our highly efficient stage manager duo – Kirsty Bradley Hay and Victoria Underwood.”
What’s next?
“Although I am stepping down from directing the Dance Performance, I am not planning to retire just yet. Directing the University Dance Performance has been a small part of my working year which also includes delivering classes to boost the activity levels of an ageing population, leading yoga and mindfulness workshops and retreats to improve wellbeing and training the next generation of fitness instructors.
“Another passion of mine is yoga. Our Yoga & Mindfulness Retreats at the University’s Outdoor Centre – Firbush Point on the banks of Loch Tay – have proved very popular with both students and staff. I am looking forward to exploring ideas on how to expand and diversify our current offer to reach more people.
“And finally, save the date! The 41st Annual Dance Performance will take place on 14 and 15 March 2026 in the Pleasance Theatre. I will be first in line for my ticket!”
